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Page 234
Nonetheless she was sorry for him. Her eyes dwelt fondly on him, and a half smile curved her lips as she watched him listening to some tale Sir Giles was telling. Briefly, Ian's eyes lifted, caught hers, moved back to Sir Giles. Alinor grew a little worried when Sir Giles turned away suddenly and then marched across the hall toward her.
"How have I offended your new lord, Lady Alinor?" he asked angrily.
"Offended him?" Alinor repeated.
"I asked if he would look upon my youngest son and then, if he thought him fit, recommend him for fostering to a good house. Sir Simon did so much for the older boys, and I thought it a reasonable request."
"Ian denied you?" Alinor asked in an amazed voice.
Ian was kind and generous to a fault, and never proud, but it flashed through Alinor's mind that she had seen him only with his equals or superiors in rank and with such lesser folk as the serfs and villeins or men-at-arms. Perhaps he was high in his manner to vassals and gentle-born inferiors. He might consider such a manner necessary to keep them in their place and obedient to his will. Alinor's vassals were not accustomed to such treatment, however. In a social situation, Simon, and Alinor herself, had always addressed her vassals and castellans as equalsas friends. They were good men and understood the difference between a conversation and an order.
"He did not deny me," Sir Giles replied flushing slightly. "He listened at first, then looked away and began to scowl, and then he asked if I equated my son with a horse, that he should need to inspect its paces before buying. He said that if I believed the boy was ready, he would believe it also. The words were fair enough, butbutI will speak the truth of my heart to you, Lady Alinor. You have known me long and will not take what I say amiss. His voice and look were such

 
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